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History of Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the greatest planned city of northern Europe, has always been a well-known name in world history and played a central role in the history
of the Netherlands. In the 17th century Amsterdam was the centre of world economy, and nowadays the city is known for its tolerant character.

1200-1585: The Early History
Amsterdam was founded as a fishing village around the thirteenth century. Amsterdam developed round a dam in the Amstel river at the end of the 12th
century. The name Amstelledamme occurs for the first time in the toll concession of Floris V, Count of Holland, dated October 27, 1275. During the 14th,
but especially the 15th century, Amsterdam underwent a rapid development, which laid the foundation for the Golden Age. Only very few medieval
buildings survive today. Some examples: the Old and New Churches and the Houten Huis (Wooden House) at the Begijnhof. Throughout the Middle
Ages houses were generally built of wood, a vulnerable type of construction material. The famous Houten Huis is no exception to this rule.
Consequently, most of them were destroyed. Nevertheless, a surprisingly large number of Amsterdam dwellings still have timber frames.

1585-1672: The Golden Age of Amsterdam
The period 1585-1672, the Golden Age, was the hey-day of Amsterdam’s commercial success. At the time Amsterdam was the staple market of the world.
During this period the characteristic Amsterdam cityscape developed; the 1613 and 1663 urban expansions still determine the city’s characteristic
appearance. Some of the most important historic buildings date back to this period, e.g. the town hall in the Dam Square (now the Royal Palace),
the Westerkerk, Zuiderkerk, as well as a large number of canal houses among which De Dolfijn (Dolphin), De Gecroonde Raep (Crowned Turnip),
the Bartolotti Huis, the Huis met de Hoofden (House with the Heads), the Poppenhuis, Kloveniersburgwal 95 (commissioned by the Poppen
family), the Trippenhuis (built for the Trip family), the Van Raey-huizen, Keizersgracht 672-674, and Sweedenrijk, Herengracht 462.

1672-1795: An Age of Gold and Silver
The year 1672 was a year of disaster for the Dutch Republic with the French and English attacking simultaneously. The Golden Age had come to an end.
Nevertheless, Amsterdam managed to consolidate its prosperity during the period 1672-1795 in spite of the predicament the Republic found itself in.
The city remained a major staple market and managed to retain its position as the financial centre of Europe. Whereas the Golden Age was primarily
a period of pitch and tar, the new era is better characterised as an age of gold and silver. The large number of dwellings built at this time, both
simple ones and rich canal houses, reflect the city’s prosperity. As a result the majority of the houses located in the city centre date back to
the 18th rather than the 17th century. Some examples: Huis Van Brienen, Herengracht 284, Huis De Vicq-De Steur, OZ Voorburgwal 237, Zeevrugt
and Saxenburg, Keizersgracht 224.

1795-1813: Recession and Decline
In 1795 the government of the patrician oligarchies was overthrown and the old Republic ceased to exist. Soon the French were to occupy the country.
During the period 1795-1813 Amsterdam suffered badly from the economic recession, a state of affairs reflected by the stagnation of the demographic
development. Many houses were vacant and some even collapsed for lack of maintenance. Fortunately some facades and interiors dating back to the
Empire period survive today.

1813-1940: Recovery and Expansion beyond the Singelgracht
The period 1813-1940 is marked by economic recovery and, from 1870 onwards, by expansion. The increasing wealth brought about a rapid population
growth. This development was primarily the result of the Industrial Revolution which triggered off a New Golden Age. The city now ventured into
the area beyond the Singelgracht. Large poorly built working-class neighbourhoods were built. The period 1920-1940 was a time of economic
recession. Therefore it is all the more remarkable that the so-called Ring 20-40 compares favourably to the 19th century jerry-building.
This was also the period of large-scale damage to the historical city centre; canals were filled in and new traffic breakthroughs were
realised.
Rijksmuseum
One of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions - and certainly its most important art repository - the Rijksmuseum (National Museum) was founded in
1798 to house the country’s huge collection of rare art and antiquities. The museum’s impressive collection includes a million cultural artifacts
dating from the 13th century to the modern day, among them more than 8,000 important paintings spread across 250 rooms of this sprawling
building.

In addition to its paintings, the Rijksmuseum boasts a well-stocked library of more than 35,000 books and manuscripts, as well as numerous fascinating
displays dealing with the development of art and culture in the Netherlands. Of special note are its collections of traditional handicrafts, medieval
sculpture, and modern art styles.

A variety of themed English language guided tours are available. For a special experience, try the fun art history canal cruise taking in many of the sites
represented in the Rijksmuseum’s collections, or book a table at the museum’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Guided tours are available, and to avoid
line-ups (nearly 2.5 million people visit each year), book tour tickets in advance online.

Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam

Anne Frank House | Heather Cowper / photo modified
On the Prinsengracht stands Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis). Dedicated to the all-too-short life of one of the world’s best-known Holocaust victims,
this is the actual home in which Anne’s family hid for much of WWII. They were Jewish refugees from the German city of Frankfurt, and it was here that
Anne wrote the diary that became an international bestseller after the war, just a few years after her death at age 15 - and just two months before
the war ended.

Much of the home has been kept as it was during Anne’s time, and it serves as a poignant monument to a tragic period of history. A word of caution: tickets
do sell out up to two or more months in advance, so be sure to plan ahead and purchase your tickets ahead of time online (see the website address below).

Next door to the Anne Frank Museum, Amsterdam’s West Church (Westerkerk) is one of the most popular churches in the city. Completed in 1630, this
attractive Renaissance church is unusual due to its many internal and external Gothic features. Its 85-meter tower, popularly known as
“Langer Jan” (tall John), is the highest in the city. On the tip of its spire is a large replica of the emperor’s crown, placed there in memory
of Emperor Maximilian of Austria. Inside the tower, a carillon proclaims the hours.

Other highlights include a fine organ dating from 1622, along with an interesting marble column placed there in 1906 in memory of Rembrandt, who was
buried outside the church (he was later reinterred inside the church).

Address: Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam

Van Gogh Museum
A must-visit for art fans and historians, the spectacular Van Gogh Museum has been one of Amsterdam’s top attractions since it opened in 1972. Dedicated
to the often troubled life and extraordinary artistry of one of the country’s most-revered painters, this modern Gerrit Rietveld-designed structure is
home to the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings and artifacts, much of it donated by his brother, Theo, and other family members.

Boasting an impressive 200 paintings, 500 etchings and drawings, as well as 700 letters written to (and by) friends and family, the collection is split into
key periods of the artist’s life: his realistic works (1880 to 1887), including the famous The Potato Eaters, and his Impressionist period from 1887 to 1890,
which saw the creation of perhaps his best-known work, Vase with Sunflowers.

A highlight of a visit is the amazing “Meet Vincent Van Gogh Experience,” a fascinating multimedia presentation of the painter’s life and times through
vivid digital reproductions of his work.

Also of interest are works by Van Gogh’s contemporaries, including such leading artists as Paul Gauguin and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. If time allows,
be sure to check the availability of the museum’s educational workshops in such disciplines as painting and photography.

Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ, Amsterdam

Houseboats and old buildings in Jordaan
Jordaan is the most popular of Amsterdam’s neighborhoods and is well-known for its mix of residential areas with garden courtyards, lively markets,
and upscale boutiques and eateries. The area is also home to plenty of fun things to do, from taking a pleasant stroll along the many picturesque
streets to spending time visiting the many top-rated tourist attractions located here.

Although best known as the location of Anne Frank House, the area is also home to lesser-known treasures like the Woonboots Museum, a floating
museum dedicated to houseboats, and the interesting (honestly!) Amsterdam Cheese Museum.

On Saturday mornings, Lindengracht turns into a huge open-air market, where you can find local crafts, produce, flowers, and goodies perfect for
filling a picnic basket. Monday mornings, it is Westerstraat that fills with 200 vendors’ stalls, this time selling a wide range of goods in a
flea-market-style bazaar. Jordaan’s restaurants and cafés have become the trendy place to sit and people-watch while enjoying
traditional Dutch folk music.

Vondelpark
The largest and most visited park in Amsterdam, Vondelpark occupies 120 acres and contains no end of fun things to do. In addition to expanses of green
space dotted by peaceful ponds and traversed by ample paths, the park is home to a lovely rose garden featuring more than 70 different types of the
flower.

It also has a variety of sculptures and statues, playgrounds, and other recreational facilities, including rollerblade rental and the Vondelpark Open
Air Theater, which serves as a venue for musical and stage productions from May through September.

If you haven’t packed a picnic, don’t worry: the park is also full of cafés where you can enjoy a snack or a full meal

Dam Square
Dam Square is one of the most tourist-packed areas of Amsterdam, and for good reason. Its most prominent feature is the 17th-century Royal Palace
(Koninklijk Palace), former home of the Dutch royal family and present-day venue for royal functions.

Dam Square is also home to top tourist attractions such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk); Madame Tussauds wax museum; and the National Memorial
Statue, which is dedicated to Dutch soldiers who lost their lives in World War II.

This huge public square is, naturally, lined with numerous cafés, restaurants, and shops, and is usually full of vendors selling food and souvenirs.
Tourists will also find a Ferris wheel, perfect for getting a different perspective, as well as plenty of entertainment, ranging from street
performers and buskers to first-rate music festivals.

Royal Palace of Amsterdam
Formerly the Town Hall, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam (Koninklijk Paleis van Amsterdam) serves as the King’s residence when he’s in the city. Its
construction was a monumental task when started in 1648 and required the sinking of 13,659 piles to support the mammoth structure. Based
upon the architecture of ancient Rome, the exterior is strictly classical, while the interior is magnificently furnished, its apartments
decorated with a wealth of reliefs, ornamentation, marble sculptures, and friezes, along with ceiling-paintings by Ferdinand Bol and
Govert Flinck, pupils of Rembrandt.

Other highlights include one of the finest furniture collections in the world; the City Treasurer’s room with its marble fireplace and ceiling
paintings by Cornelis Holsteyn; and the Hall of the Aldermen, also containing paintings by Bol and Flinck. The largest and most important
room is the Council Hall, sumptuously decorated and one of the most beautiful staterooms in Europe.

Location: Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, 1012 RJ Amsterdam

Rembrandt statue in Rembrandt Square
Rembrandt, along with his wife Saskia, spent the happiest (and most successful) years of his life in the house on the Jodenbreestraat, now home
to the Rembrandt House Museum (Museum Het Rembrandthuis). It was here, in the Jewish Quarter, that he found models for his Biblical themes,
and where he painted the sights from his many outings along the canals.

Rembrandt lived here for 20 years, and the house has been furnished in 17th-century style with numerous etchings and personal objects. English
language guided tours are available.

Just a two-minute walk away is Zuiderkerk (South Church), where three of Rembrandt’s children are buried, as well as one of his pupils. Constructed
between 1603 and 1611, it was the first Protestant church to be built in Amsterdam after the Reformation and was designed by architect Hendrick de
Keyser, who is also buried here.

After extensive restoration, it is now a center for local cultural activities and events. Another Rembrandt-related destination in the city is
Rembrandt Square, home to numerous cafés and restaurants, along with a statue of the famous painter.

Address: Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam

The Botanical Gardens
Amsterdam offers a surprising dose of nature in the very heart of the city. Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam, the city’s botanical garden, is one of the
world’s oldest and should definitely be included in your sightseeing itinerary.

Founded in 1638, this much-visited attraction began life as a humble herb garden for doctors and apothecaries. Today, it features rare plants and
trees, exotic flowers, and a large hothouse encompassing different tropical zones.

Highlights of a visit include exploring the lovely old pavilion, a hexagonal structure that dates back to the late 17th century, plus the 1870s Orangery.
The Palm House is also notable, in particular for its architectural style (it was designed in the Amsterdam School style).

Plant enthusiasts are also in for a treat, as the gardens are home to a wide variety of rare plant and tree species. Worth mentioning are examples of the
Persian Ironwood tree, plus numerous tropical species in the historic hothouse. For those wanting to linger longer, there’s an on-site café.

Address: Plantage Middenlaan 2a, 1018 DD Amsterdam

Red ruffed lemur at the Artis, Amsterdam Royal Zoo
Less than a five-minute stroll away from the botanical gardens is Artis, Amsterdam’s excellent “royal zoo.” This world-class attraction was established in
1838 and is one of the oldest zoos in Europe.

It spotlights a variety of creatures from around the globe in a shady garden setting dotted with numerous historical buildings. The aquarium, for example,
was constructed in 1882 and features exhibits including a coral reef system and a fascinating peek under an Amsterdam canal.

Other highlights include the nocturnal animal house, zoological museum, Insectarium, Butterfly Pavilion, and Planetarium. There’s also a library that
features an extensive collection of historic books, prints, and artworks.

Also of interest near this fun nature-based attractions is a replica of the Normaal Amsterdams Peil, the NAP, which shows the average water level of the
North Sea.

Address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam